Run Stronger, Smarter, Faster, and Longer

Here at Rock Creek Runner we’re picky. We don’t want unrelated ads all over the place (you’ll notice they are kept to a minimum), and we’re picky about the products we promote. Putting our stamp on something we don’t believe in isn’t what RCR’s all about.

But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t great resources out there that we do believe in. Here are our favorites:

Rock Creek Runner Resources

The Trail Runner’s System

Want to transition to trail or ultra running? Through video, audio, and expert interviews, the Trail Runner’s System is designed to help you transition to trails and ultras from where you are now. Regardless of ability.

Leave the fear and anxiety that comes with making a big change in your training behind, and tackle your big trail and ultra running goals.

A peak at what’s covered in the system:

Trail Running 101: Covering everything from the benefits of trail running to what trail gear is worth your money.

Discover Your Ultramarathon: A Beginner’s Guide to Running an Ultramarathon

Want to run an ultramarathon, but don’t know where to start? Let the in-depth training system, Discover Your Ultramarathon, help guide you through training and run a strong ultramarathon. What’s included:

129-page Discover Your Ultramarathon eBook, covering all the questions you’ll have leading up to the race, and all the topics you don’t even know to ask about.

20-week 50k interactive training plan.

24-week 50 mile interactive training plan.

4 Bonus interviews with ultrarunning experts and elites, ensuring you get all the tips from the best.

Training Tools and Programs I Recommend

Injury Prevention for Runners

The most thorough injury prevention program I have ever seen. Running coach Jason Fitzgerald does it right with this program, which features 2 eBooks, 16 videos, a dozen training plans, and 7 interviews with elite coaches and runners, all crafted to make sure you’re running injury free.

I’ve been using Jason’s injury prevention techniques of over a year now, and I’ve had great success staying healthy and strong.

Wake Up: 31 Days and Actions to Take Charge of Your Life

This one’s a bit different since it’s not specifically geared towards running, but Matt Frazier’s Wake Upprogram is an incredible resource for people looking to form running habits and goals, or make sure they are taking effective actions in other parts of their lives.

I worked through the program and loved it. If goal setting and habit forming is something you’re interested in, this is an awesome program worth checking out.

Recommended Running Books

Books That Train the Runner’s Body

If you’re looking for a way to improve your running form, this is a good place to start.

The Chi Running approach is all about removing the heal strike, reducing injury, and creating a more effortless stride. The approach has become a sensation in recent years, to the point where they hold multi-day workshops and trainings.

This book, along with the included informational DVD, provides information that will help you rethink and adjust your stride and cadence.

Ever wanted to have access to everything an elite coach has to say? Here’s your chance.

This incredible book offers training plans from 5k to marathon distances, and explains, in detail, the techniques Hudson has used to turn runners into Olympians. No guarantees that will happen to you, but Run Faster will help you find your best run.

Matt’s book is the perfect guide for beginner runners, especially those looking to run on a vegetarian or plant based diet. The first half of the book focuses on goal setting, forming habits, and running basics. He even throws in training plans for 5k to half marathon distances. The second half is all nutrition, including how to fuel before, during, and after your run, along with optimizing your diet for when you aren’t running. And the recipes are great. A few have already become go-tos in my house.

Plus Matt gives me a shout-out in the acknowledgements. How could I leave his book off this list after that? Also check out my full review of the book.

So you’ve read the introductory books, and you’re ready to take your training to the next level. This should be your next stop.

Daniels’ Running Formula is all about the science of getting stronger and getting the most out of your effort. It’ll tell you all about your heartrate, cadence, VO2 Max, and all the other science runners love to geek out on.

It includes training plans, and an in-depth look at how you should approach training for your next big race.

When I tell someone I’m an endurance runner, it’s usually no more than 45 seconds before someone asks if I’ve read Born to Run. The book has easily influenced the mainstream more than any other running book currently on the market. And for good reason! It’s fun, exciting, and tells a great story.

But more than that, it is a great introduction to running biology and physics, and raises a lot of good questions about conventional modern running techniques. Should new runners use Born to Run as a guide? Probably not. But you won’t regret picking it up…except maybe when you realize you can’t put it down.

Books That Train the Runner’s Mind

They say running is just as much mental as it is physical. In my opinion, the longer the distance, the more that mental percentage goes up.

The information Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter shares in this book will help you strengthen the mental side of your training. She uses examples from research on pro athletes and Olympic runners to explain just how the mind works under pressure and intense athletic stress. You’ll come out of the book with knowledge of how to train the mind for high pressure races, and stay focused during throughout training, injury, and defeat.

Haruki Murakami is an elegant writer, making this mediation on running a perfect quick read for anyone who loves the sport. Murakami walks you through his thoughts and reflections on running and writing while training for the New York City Marathon.

I’m not sure the book made me a better runner, but his delicate words definitely inspired me to get out and log more miles. Then go home and write about them.

Alright, I admit it. You’ll never find this book sitting around the running section of your local book store. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to teach us.

The Power of Habit dives deep into why we form habits, how to create new ones, and how to manipulate the ones we already have. Arming yourself with these skills can help create habits that turn you into a running machine, by turning your running form and technique into natural motions you never have to think about, and by making it easier than ever to actually get out the door in the first place.

More of a meditation of life than it is about running specifics, this book summarizes beautifully what it means to be a runner.

Sometimes we just need a reminder of philosophical reasons why we run, and the mind/body connection we are creating. As a distance runner, this book is a solid curl-up-by-the-fireplace read, that will speaks to the pain or triumph we experience from each run.

Brands I Love and Support

By purchasing through these links, you’ll not only support these great brands and get awesome gear, but you’ll also support Rock Creek Runner. Win-win!